Two U.S. Space Force officers are reportedly now reeling after losing their home and family cat in what appears to be a targeted and politically charged attack just days after Christmas, an incident that federal authorities continue to investigate.
In a new interview with Daily Caller, Major Jason “Red” Mills described the devastating chain of events that unfolded while he, his wife and their 10-month-old daughter were out of state celebrating the holidays. On Dec. 28, Mills said he was jolted awake by a 5 a.m. phone call from Washington, D.C., police informing him that his home had been set on fire.
Mills later learned that his vehicle had also been burglarized and vandalized. According to Mills, the car was defaced with messages reading “Fuck Trump,” “Fuck you space man,” and “Fuck U.S.D.S,” which he noted could stand for “United States DOGE Service.” He told the Caller the attack appeared deliberate, pointing out that he is the only person in his neighborhood who regularly wears a military uniform.
“I do go to and from work from the subway, and I live in a part of D.C. where the military doesn’t typically live,” Mills said. “So I’m the only person even remotely nearby that would ever be in uniform.”
After learning of the fire, Mills immediately flew back to Washington to survey the damage. Fire officials told him it appeared that two separate fires had been intentionally set, one in the kitchen and another in the basement. A fire report obtained by the Caller confirmed those findings and classified the blaze as incendiary.
A police report also indicated that a suspect was taken into custody after being found with items belonging to Mills inside the home. Authorities have said the investigation remains ongoing.
The emotional toll has been severe. Mills and his wife were forced to walk through the burned-out property in hazmat suits, attempting to recover anything they could. Among the few items salvaged were deeply personal mementos, including the hospital bracelet from the day their daughter was born and framed baby photos. Mills shared images of his wife holding some of those recovered items amid the destruction.
In a heartbreaking moment, Mills said he was able to locate and recover the body of their cat from the rubble.
The damage extended beyond the home. Mills said his car had been ransacked, with mirrors torn off, papers scattered and black ink smeared across the dashboard and interior mirror. A sticker representing the Air Force Research Laboratory was also found marked with a large “X.”
Because of the apparent targeted nature of the attack, Mills notified his chain of command. He said the response from military leadership and colleagues has been overwhelmingly supportive.
Family members launched a GoFundMe campaign to help the Mills family recover, and the response has far exceeded expectations. Mills said former students he once taught donated hundreds of dollars each, and the military community has helped spread the word.
The fundraiser had raised about $90,000 within four days. One $10,000 donation came from Jared Isaacman, a contribution later confirmed by an administration official.
“My family and I are super thankful and grateful for all the support,” Mills said. “It’s way above and beyond anything we expected. It’s been overwhelming, but in the best possible way.”
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